HOTEL SPAS `V` HEALTH FARMS. IS THERE A DIFFERENCE? 

This is an interesting debate with some valid points from both sides. In the following paragraphs we will evaluate the differences between a Hotel Spa experience compared to that of a Health Farm experience and point out the major differences.

Where do we start?

Let’s start 10 years ago. In this Country there were few Hotel Spas compared to that of today. In the nineties there was a boom in the leisure industry most notably around the Spa industry. There was, and still is today only twelve boni fidi Health Farms.

Due to the demand for Health Farm breaks, as guests became more knowledgeable naturally their requirements increased. The Health Farm owners had the foresight and opportunity to predict that the boom would not be short lived. Therefore major investments were justified for Health Farms to improve and update their Spa facilities to offer the latest state leisure, beauty, fitness and advice. Many of the ideas that were to be incorporated would be unique to this Country but originated from Eastern Europe where they were and still are years ahead in terms of setting trends. The UK is generally a number of years behind in terms of what is round the corner, that said, the UK market is also behind with what they expect a Health Farm to offer in terms of facilities and treatments. It is a matter of educating potential guests as to the latest treatments, fads and Spa facilities.

As the boom was taking place and the respective Health Farms were spending millions of pounds investing in the market that they had built, the hotel Spas soon realised that they too could tap in to the Spa market in a big way. By simply adding a stand alone Spa facility to their existing establishment, to offer around six treatment rooms, swimming pool, sauna and steam etc they could attract Spa business. Therefore major hotel groups such as Macdonald, Marriott and many independantly owned hotels began spending millions on their facilities too.

There was no loser here. With the development of Spas during the nineties they were never short of publicity and even more interest was generated for all to enjoy. The Health Farm and Spa bubble is yet to burst and the addition of more UK Spas with more unique facilities and treatments can only be good for everyone involved in the UK Spa industry.

The Spa goers are to some degree spoilt for choice, taking in to account all of the fantastic locations around the Country. But are Spas really all that different? What does the average Joe Bloggs know about UK Spas? The true answer unfortunately is that the average Joe Bloggs does not have the knowledge to be able to determine the difference between a Hotel Spa experience and a UK Health Farm experience.

A Spa in not just a Spa. I suppose a good comparison is, a car is not just a car!

Therefore let me point out the major differences:

A Health Farm experience is so very personalised. With a high staff to guest ratio each guest is guaranteed the most personalised of service, usually from an intelligent, English speaking representative. You are free to lounge all day, go for lunch and go from treatment to treatment in a towel robe. Evening meals at a Health Farm are relaxed and you are invited to dine in casual comfortable clothing. You will not find a bar at UK Health Farms although you can have wine with your meal. Minimum age at  Health Farms is 16 years, so no screaming babies. Many guests go for a break from their own children so the last thing they need is to be disturbed by others. Exercise and activities at Health Farms are comprehensive with around 20 classes per day there is always something to do and of course these are included in your stay. Finally treatments at a Health Farm can also offer a wider spectrum to include more alternative therapies in addition to the regular massage, facial and body treatments.

A Hotel Spa experience is so different. UK Hotel Spas have various departments such as function rooms, conference, weddings, and parties. There are children in the resort, very annoyingly often in the pool and Spa area bombing each other. There is a bar and nobody will stop you if you want to drink all night. There is an A La Carte Menu compared to that of a calorie counted menu at a Health Farm. Towel robes are restricted to the Spa area, you may receive some funny looks waltzing through main reception in a robe. There are few exercise classes and not always included in with your stay. Treatments are more basic, though this is not the case for all Hotel Spas. There is a smaller staff to guest ration to that of Health Farms.

So you see there is a very different experience between a Health Farm and Hotel Spa. I would suggest that you have a real think about your requirements and expectations. To get some more information on which UK Spas will suit your particular requirements we can recommend www.spaseekers.com established since 1989 as the UK`s foremost central reservations and advice service for Health Farms and Spas. They also have many exclusive Special Offers and their service is free.

I hope that you have found this article informative and I trust it has educated you in to the differences between a Hotel Spa and Health Farm. A Spabreak is great for mind, body and soul, just take your time when considering which will suit you and choose wisely.